“You’ll be hooked by this charming story. . . . Smolinski gives us a quick-witted heroine . . . with just the right amount of romance and a tad of suspense.” —Richmond Times-Dispatch Meet June Parker. She works for L.A. Rideshare, adores her rent-stabilized apartment in Santa Monica, and struggles with losing a few pesky pounds. But June’s life is about to change. After a dark turn of events involving Weight Watchers, a chili recipe, and a car accident in which her passenger, Marissa, dies, June finds herself in possession of a list Marissa has written, “20 Things to Do By My 25th Birthday.” Even though they barely knew each other, June is compelled by both guilt and a desire to set things right and finish the list for Marissa. The tasks before her range from inspiring (Run a 5K), to daring (Go braless), to near-impossible (Change someone’ s life), and as June races to achieve each goal before the deadline, she learns more about her own life than she ever bargained for. Funny, engaging, and heartwarming, The Next Thing on My List features a loveable, relatable heroine and a story with plenty of humor and heart.
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"Boy did I enjoy this - its a make you laugh and cry type of book. I listened to it on CD and I was driving my car listening and people must have wondered who the crazy lady was - cause I would find myself saying "oh no, OMG! and just plain cracking up."
— Debby (5 out of 5 stars)
" I didn't like the ending.... "
— Marie, 2/17/2014" So a few things about this book. It was a really cute premise. I thought it was cute that she finished her friends list of things to do for her. Now I want to make a list of things to do...I feel like I guess I'm not that motivated sometimes, but I think I could muster up a list! Second thing about this book, it had a lot of language. Probably over 20-30 f's. Totally unnecessary. And it had a lot of innuendos. Third thing, I really liked the characters in this book. I like Troy but they totally threw me a curve ball at the end, even though I was happy with how that all turned out. Cute book, probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone. "
— Nielson, 2/12/2014" Nothing terribly literary, just an easy fun read. I really enjoyed it! And best of all, it provokes the reader into reviewing our own dreams for our lives! "
— Christee, 2/11/2014" not to read if you're looking for a book of depth or value, but it is enjoyable and quick. it has a certain amount of quirk that makes up for a portion of its overall lack of content, making it a great "mindless" summer day book. it's good for what it is; not Vonnegut, but not terrible. "
— Kaitlyn, 2/9/2014" I really enjoyed the purpose of this book and did actually find it inspiring to some extent. Maybe that's just because I, like the main character, am going through a dead point in my life, just going through the motions. I wish the characters would have been more fully developed. Many came across as vapid and shallow. A meaningful book should have more meaningful characters, but all in all I did like it. "
— Christanna, 1/24/2014" I liked this book. I really like the idea of completing a list of goals for someone who could not complete it themselves. Although much of the book was predictable it was fun to see how things were unraveled and accomplished. Although there wasn't much, some of the language was offensive to me. Still, a fun read. "
— Aleena, 1/23/2014" somewhat predictable. Another book club book. Enjoyed the book. It was light and quick to read. "
— Jen, 1/22/2014" Very moving and motivational, yet light and fun. Loved it! "
— Hentsla, 1/20/2014" A very inspirational read, but was disappointed with the ending. This was 3 out of 5 for me. "
— Catherine, 1/14/2014" what a great book - reminds me of P.S. I Love you - laughed and teared up a bit - and an easy read "
— Mona, 1/9/2014" This was a good light read about a woman who in an accident kills the passenger in her car. She finds a to do list in the other woman's pocket and as a type of penance decides she will complete the list. Not bad. "
— Meg, 1/1/2014Jill Smolinski is the author of the novels The Next Thing on My List, Flip-Flopped, and Objects of My Affection. Her work has appeared in major women’s magazines, as well as in an anthology of short stories, American Girls about Town. She lives in Los Angeles with her son.